Your partner is an angry drunk

Your partner is an angry drunk
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Pay close attention to happens to your partner’s personality when he or she drinks. Are they a happy drunk or do they start picking fights? “If you find yourself shuddering when your partner picks up a drink, then maybe it’s time to take a look at how your partner’s behaviour when they are intoxicated,” says Dr. Rahbar. “If he or she becomes violent and aggressive it is a warning sign that more is to come.”

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You fear for your safety

You fear for your safety
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It’s important to pay close attention to your own thoughts and feelings about the relationship that you’re in. If it does not feel equitable, it is likely not a viable or healthy relationship, according to Dr Mendez. “Have confidence in your existence and know that you are a valuable and equal contributor to the relationship,” she says. “Talk to trusted others about your concerns and stand up for yourself.”

 

Your partner tries to alienate you from loved ones

Your partner tries to alienate you from loved ones
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If your partner always seems to have a say in which close family and friends you see, how often, and for how long, this is an attempt to gain control and power over you. “Abusers often gain control in the relationship by cutting off the victim’s friendships and outside relationships,” explains Dr Manly. “Sadly, the abused person often becomes so embarrassed that she or he will self-isolate in order to keep friends and family from learning about the destructive nature of the relationship.”

Name-calling is a common occurrence

Name-calling is a common occurrence
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Does your partner often belittle you in the form of name-calling and humiliation? These are not signs of a healthy relationship, warns Dr Kubala. While the commentary may begin as seemingly harmless jabs or jokes, they can evolve to full-blown criticism. “If the abusive partner excuses his or her attacks as jokes and insists that you are over-sensitive, this is a sign that your comfort is not important to him or her,” she says.

You’re fearful of leaving the relationship

You’re fearful of leaving the relationship
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If your partner makes it difficult for you to imagine leaving the relationship because you worry that he or she will hurt themselves, it’s a warning sign of abuse. “Watch out for such statements, as they are manipulative and meant to draw on your sympathy,” says Dr Esfahani. “Remind yourself that this individual will be able to survive without you, this is the time to be selfish.”

Your partner has a history of abuse

Your partner has a history of abuse
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Any past that involves cruelty to others—be it an ex, a pet, or a perfect stranger—is a sign that it can happen to you. Also, says Dr Kubala, pay close attention to over-reactions to seemingly small irritations, as this may shed light on a person’s inability to manage their emotions—and that can worsen over time.

Learn the silent signs of emotional abuse.

If you’re in an abusive relationship, consider calling the Domestic Violence Helpline at 1-800-RESPECT (Australia) or areyouok.org.nz on 0800-456-450 (New Zealand).

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Source: RD.com

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